By WMBD TV
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Bradley University is making its largest investment in student housing in decades, unveiling plans for a $25 million Harper Hall renovation that leaders said will modernize campus living and enhance the student experience.
Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the renovated dorm scheduled to reopen in two years.
The project will completely transform Harper Hall with suite-style and single-room living options, private in-suite bathrooms, study lounges, collaboration spaces, wellness rooms and updated community areas.
University President James Shadid said the investment is to meet the expectations of today’s students while supporting their success both inside and outside the classroom.
“Academics is just part of their life here,” he said. “When prospective students and parents entrust us with their young people for a few years, we want to make sure they have an enhanced residential experience, enhanced dining options and an enhanced campus experience so they enjoy their time here.”
Shadid said the university believes modern residence halls play an important role in attracting and retaining students.
“We’re making this investment now because these are meeting the needs of students for today,” he said, pointing to suite-style living, private bathrooms, study lounges, collaboration spaces and updated gathering areas.
As part of the project, the connected Wyckoff Hall will close and demolished. Removing that dorm, he said, will also allow Bradley to add green space, patio areas and a new entrance to the updated Harper Hall.
The project will also reduce the number of beds in that section of campus. Harper and Wyckoff currently house about 280 students combined. Once the project is complete, the renovated Harper Hall will accommodate roughly 140 students in larger, more modern living spaces.
The housing initiative is part of a broader transformation across Bradley’s campus. Recent and planned projects include renovations to Williams Dining Hall, Olin Hall, Neumiller Hall and the Michel Student Center, along with the Goldin Gateway, Zaleski Recreation Center, University Hall improvements and other campus enhancements.
Shadid said the investment comes as Bradley continues to see strong interest from prospective students.
The university says first-year student deposits are up more than 30% compared to last year, a sign, BU officials say, show that revonations and upates as well as the overall student experience are resonating with incoming students.
Construction on Harper Hall is expected to begin this fall, with the renovated building opening to students in fall 2028.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
